How to De-Stress—Instantly

According to new research from the University of Kansas, grinning helps you relax when you're stressed.

In the study, researchers split participants into three groups. Each group was trained to recreate a different facial expression by holding chopsticks in their mouths. One group held their sticks in a way that created a neutral expression, another used them to create a standard smile, and the last group used them to create a genuine smile.

The groups were then put through tests that were designed to be stressful, like tracing an outline of a star with their non-dominant hand in a mirror and submerging their hands in ice water—all while using the chopsticks to do their assigned expressions.

Scientists discovered that the people who smiled during the tasks had lower heart rates than those who had the neutral expression. They also reported feeling less stressed, especially when they had the "genuine" smile.

So, the next time you're stressed as all hell, force yourself to smile. You'll get the perks—even if you don't mean it.